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Bio Trace Software Manual
Bio Trace Software Manual
Bio Trace Software Manual
V2017A EN Rev. 1
BioTrace+ is a product of Mind Media B.V. for NeXus. © Mind Media B.V. The Netherlands. All rights reserved.
This manual assumes that the reader is familiar with all the basics of using a Microsoft Windows ™ operating system.
We have taken great care in creating this manual. However we are always interested in feedback on how we can improve the
manual or enhance our products. Remarks or suggestions are appreciated and can be send to: support@mindmedia.nl
Limitations of liability
Insofar as is maximally permitted under the applicable prescriptive law, neither Mind Media B.V. nor its suppliers or resellers
are liable under any circumstances for any indirect, exceptional, incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of
BioTrace+ software or from the inability to use it, including (but not restricted to) the damage arising from loss of goodwill,
work interruption, computer defects or faults, or any other damage or losses consequential upon business interruption, even if
the possibility of these occurring had been mentioned and irrespective of the legal or impartial theory (agreement, unlawful act
or otherwise) on which the losses are based.
In any case and pursuant to any of the provisions of the present agreement, the total liability of Mind Media B.V. is limited in its
entirety to the sum of the price that was paid for this product and the fee for the product support granted by Mind media
under a (possible) separate support contract, with the exception of death or personal injury arising from negligence by Mind
Media B.V. insofar as the applicable prescriptive law forbids limitation of damages in such cases. Mind Media B.V. cannot be
held liable for the consequences of any incorrect information furnished by its staff or for any errors in this user guide and/or
other accompanying documentation (including trade documentation).
The other party (the user of the product of his or her representative) must hold Mind Media B.V. harmless and indemnify it
against any third party damages, irrespective of their nature and irrespective of the relationship with the other party.
1. Basics ............................................................................................................. 7
Installation ................................................................................................................................ 7
System requirements ...................................................................................................................... 7
BioTrace+ setup ............................................................................................................................... 7
Installing updates ............................................................................................................................ 8
Connecting the NeXus ..................................................................................................................... 9
Dual monitor setup ........................................................................................................................ 11
Activating BioTrace+ ...................................................................................................................... 11
Navigation ............................................................................................................................... 14
Home menu ................................................................................................................................... 14
Toolbar .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Session Control Bar........................................................................................................................ 16
Feedback Controls ......................................................................................................................... 17
Top menu ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Shortcuts ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Client Database ....................................................................................................................... 20
Adding and editing clients ............................................................................................................. 21
Edit clinic information ................................................................................................................... 22
Screen Browser ....................................................................................................................... 22
Add screens to favorites ................................................................................................................ 24
Session Overview .................................................................................................................... 24
Settings ................................................................................................................................... 25
System settings .............................................................................................................................. 25
Color schemes ............................................................................................................................... 28
2. Sessions ........................................................................................................ 30
Starting a session .................................................................................................................... 30
Recording a session ....................................................................................................................... 30
Pausing a session ........................................................................................................................... 31
Saving a session ............................................................................................................................. 32
Adding markers ....................................................................................................................... 32
Opening a session.................................................................................................................... 33
Editing sessions ....................................................................................................................... 34
Backing up sessions ................................................................................................................. 35
Store data on networked drive...................................................................................................... 35
Exporting sessions ......................................................................................................................... 35
Importing sessions ......................................................................................................................... 37
Z-Score .................................................................................................................................... 39
Configuring Z-Score ....................................................................................................................... 39
Activating Z-Score .......................................................................................................................... 40
3. Feedback ...................................................................................................... 41
Types of feedback ................................................................................................................... 41
Selecting feedback ......................................................................................................................... 41
Change feedback content .............................................................................................................. 41
Setting thresholds and feedback ............................................................................................. 41
Threshold modes ........................................................................................................................... 41
Threshold directions ...................................................................................................................... 43
Hide/show graph ........................................................................................................................... 43
Hide/show/reset counter .............................................................................................................. 43
Contents
Advanced threshold options ......................................................................................................... 43
Advanced feedback options .......................................................................................................... 46
Frequency bands and ranges ................................................................................................... 50
Respiration/HRV pacer ............................................................................................................ 50
Setting parameters ........................................................................................................................ 51
Setting automatic pacer ................................................................................................................ 52
Saving and loading pacer settings ................................................................................................. 52
4. Review .......................................................................................................... 53
Selecting data .......................................................................................................................... 53
Zooming data .......................................................................................................................... 53
Segments................................................................................................................................. 54
Adding segments ........................................................................................................................... 54
Deleting segments ......................................................................................................................... 54
Locking segments .......................................................................................................................... 54
Defining and adding segment types .............................................................................................. 54
Artifact areas ........................................................................................................................... 55
Manually marking artifact areas .................................................................................................... 55
Automatic artifact rejection .......................................................................................................... 55
Event markers ......................................................................................................................... 56
Adding markers ............................................................................................................................. 56
Editing markers .............................................................................................................................. 56
Changing display of signals ...................................................................................................... 57
Setting the range ........................................................................................................................... 57
Display type ................................................................................................................................... 57
Smoothing data ............................................................................................................................. 57
Data Type/Statistics ....................................................................................................................... 58
Displaying thresholds .................................................................................................................... 58
Overlapping channels .................................................................................................................... 58
EEG signal (re)montaging ........................................................................................................ 59
Adding or deleting channels .................................................................................................... 60
Automatic channel selection ......................................................................................................... 60
Exporting session data............................................................................................................. 61
Exporting a selection ..................................................................................................................... 62
Contents
FFT Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 72
NeuroMapping Report ............................................................................................................ 72
EEG Signal Amplitude Mapping ............................................................................................... 73
6. Objects ......................................................................................................... 75
The Text Object ....................................................................................................................... 77
The Image Object .................................................................................................................... 78
The Button Control Object....................................................................................................... 79
Enter text ....................................................................................................................................... 79
Change button image .................................................................................................................... 79
Display help text ............................................................................................................................ 80
Hyperlink to screen........................................................................................................................ 81
Button actions ............................................................................................................................... 81
The Single Y-Scale Line graph .................................................................................................. 87
The Dual Y-Scale Line graph..................................................................................................... 89
The Polylinegraph.................................................................................................................... 89
The Single FFT Spectrum .......................................................................................................... 91
The Dual FFT Spectrum ............................................................................................................ 93
The 3D FFT Spectrum ............................................................................................................... 93
The Spectrogram ..................................................................................................................... 94
The NeuroMap ........................................................................................................................ 95
The Bargraph ........................................................................................................................... 98
The Vernier Instrument ......................................................................................................... 100
The Zoomer Instrument......................................................................................................... 100
The Numerical Instrument..................................................................................................... 101
Input value ................................................................................................................................... 102
The Animation Instrument .................................................................................................... 103
Visualize range ............................................................................................................................. 104
Visualize state .............................................................................................................................. 104
The Water Effect Instrument ................................................................................................. 105
The DirectX Plug-in Instrument ............................................................................................. 106
The Clock Counter Instrument ............................................................................................... 108
The Video Replay Object ....................................................................................................... 108
The Disc Object...................................................................................................................... 110
The Game Object ................................................................................................................... 111
Game settings .............................................................................................................................. 112
Link to object ............................................................................................................................... 113
Link to data channel .................................................................................................................... 113
The Flash Animation Object .................................................................................................. 114
The Video Capture Object ..................................................................................................... 115
The Audio Capture Object ..................................................................................................... 116
Contents
Background colors ....................................................................................................................... 117
Background sounds ..................................................................................................................... 118
Editing screen notes .................................................................................................................... 118
General object properties...................................................................................................... 119
Background & borders................................................................................................................. 119
Color settings ............................................................................................................................... 120
Title text....................................................................................................................................... 121
Fonts ............................................................................................................................................ 122
Display options & ranges ....................................................................................................... 122
Displaying other data channels ............................................................................................. 122
Linking objects ...................................................................................................................... 123
Object position and size ........................................................................................................ 124
Placing new objects ............................................................................................................... 125
Creating a new screen ........................................................................................................... 126
Saving a screen ...................................................................................................................... 127
Deleting screens .................................................................................................................... 127
Backing up screens ................................................................................................................ 127
Defining a sequence of screens ............................................................................................. 128
Contents
1. Basics
Installation
System requirements
The system requirements for BioTrace+ are:
- Windows® 8.1 Professional, Windows® 7 Professional, with Service Pack 1or
Windows® 10 Professional. Use Boot Camp for Mac OS X.
- Intel i3/ i5/ i7 series processor
- 4 GB of RAM memory or more
- Graphics card with 256 MB memory or more
- HD+ (1600 x 900) or Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen resolution
- USB 2.0 port
- Bluetooth 2.01
Additional requirements:
- Secondary monitor for optimal use of dual screen mode
- DVD-ROM drive for installation of BioTrace+2 or DVD-feedback
- Broadband internet connection for software updates and access to online services
rd
1. It is required to use a Microsoft Windows Bluetooth Stack and not a 3 Party Bluetooth Stack.
2. In case no DVD drive is available, please contact the reseller for more information about installation.
BioTrace+ setup
Insert the BioTrace+ DVD in to the drive and run setup.exe
1. Basics 7
Click Next and follow the instructions for installation.
Please read the license agreement and select I agree and click Next.
The driver installation will start automatically. This could take a couple of minutes.
Installing updates
Download the latest version at the Software Updates section of the Mind Media website
www.mindmedia.info/support/software-updates
Or by clicking Help > Internet: BioTrace+ Updates in the top menu of BioTrace+.
Please contact the reseller for more information about offline installation.
An update will improve and add functionality but it will also update screens, images,
feedback content, channel sets etc. An update is language specific.
An update overwrites default content. Make sure to back up changed default content (e.g. edited
screen) before installation. Content with different names than default content, will not be overwritten.
Updates will not make changes to any session or client data.
4. The program will scan for installed versions of BioTrace+. In case of multiple versions
installed, please select the folder which needs to be updated.
5. Click Exit when the update process is ready. The update is installed.
1. Basics 8
Connecting the NeXus
There are two ways of connecting the NeXus to a computer:
1. USB connection (NeXus-10 and NeXus-32 only, please refer to hardware manual)
2. Bluetooth pairing
Bluetooth pairing
Make sure the Bluetooth dongle is connected to the computer.
Windows 8
Open the windows “charms bar” by moving the mouse to the right upper corner of the
screen, or by pressing the Windows key and C ( + C).
Click on Settings
Next click on Change PC settings in the right bottom of the screen. Click on PC and devices.
Click on Bluetooth.
Switch the NeXus on. Windows will search for the device. Select the device and click Pair.
The passcode for the device are the last 4 digits of the serial number which is displayed on
the ‘Enter the passcode for your device’ screen.
The serial number can also be found on the back of the device.
Enter the last 4 digits of the serial number and click Next. The device will be added to the
computer.
1. Basics 9
Definition of Bluetooth states:
- ‘Ready to pair’: The NeXus is not paired with the PC
- ‘Connected’: There is active communication between the PC and NeXus.
- ‘Not Connected’: The Nexus is correctly paired with the PC, but there is no active
communication with the PC.
Windows 7
Locate the Bluetooth icon in the Windows® taskbar, usually at the right bottom of the
desktop (if not, click the arrow to show hidden items).
Switch the NeXus on. Windows will search for the device. Select the device and click Next.
The pairing code for the device are the last 4 digits of the serial number which is displayed
on the right side of the ‘add a device’ screen.
The serial number can also be found on the back of the device.
Enter the last 4 digits of the serial number and click Next. The device will be added to the
computer. Click Close to finish the Bluetooth pairing.
1. Basics 10
Dual monitor setup
Configuring the secondary monitor needs to be performed in Windows®.
Make sure to plug in the secondary monitor first. A beamer or a television can also be used.
Choose Extend these displays under Multiple displays for using the secondary monitor.
Windows 8 Windows 7
Activating BioTrace+
Connect the NeXus to the computer.
For more information about connecting the NeXus, please refer to the previous paragraph
Start BioTrace+ by double-clicking on the BioTrace+ icon on the desktop or browse to the
BioTrace folder and open BioTrace.exe.
1. Basics 11
The Introduction screen will appear.
Please fill in your contact information and choose a password. Click Sign Up to create your
free account.
1. Basics 12
You will receive an email to validate your email address which will be used as the contact
email address for your account.
Please confirm your contact information by clicking the link in this email.
Now enter your contact email address and your password in the Sign In screen of BioTrace+.
If you have successfully activated the BioTrace+, an alert box will appear.
Your NeXus can be used to activate BioTrace+ on 4 computers per year. If you wish to activate
additional BioTrace+ installations, please contact support or your reseller.
Offline activation
If your computer is unable to connect to the internet the Offline Activation screen will
appear. You can also manually activate offline by clicking the button “Offline Activation”.
1. Basics 13
Send the Request Key and your contact email address to support@mindmedia.nl to receive
an Activation Key. Fill in this Activation Key and click Activate in order to activate BioTrace+.
Navigation
Home menu
At the startup of BioTrace+, Home will appear.
1. Basics 14
Every category consists of several training and data acquisition screens. These screen types
are marked by the following icons:
Training
Data acquisition
Training screens
Every training screen includes one therapist screen with several client screens.
A client screen provides the specific feedback for the client. Every therapist screen contains
several different types of client screens.
It is recommended to use a dual monitor setup for the best user experience.
1. Basics 15
Monitoring screens
Monitoring screens are not intended for training but can be used for physiological
monitoring. Every category in the Signal Library contains one or more monitoring screens.
Monitoring
Toolbar
The Toolbar is located at the top of BioTrace+.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. Basics 16
8 9 10 11
Feedback Controls
Feedback can be controlled with action buttons. Actions can be starting a protocol or loading
a feedback screen. BioTrace contains the following types of feedback controls:
- Frequency Band Controls
- Feedback & Threshold Controls
- Client Feedback Type Controls
Frequency Band Controls Feedback & Threshold Controls Feedback Type Controls
For more information about using the action buttons, please refer to Chapter 3. Feedback.
Top menu
The top menu is always available at the top of the screen and contains the following items:
Build New Screen Create a new screen by opening the screen editor
Save Screen Save screen with same name on the same location
Save Screen As... Save screen as a copy or to a different location
Load a Screen Open a screen with the Screen Browser
Open Session/ Database Open a session with the Client Database
Save Channel Set as... Save a channel set as a copy
Load Channel Set Load a channel set
Print... Print a data report
Print Preview Open a print preview
Print Setup Open printer settings
Export Session Data Export multiple data channels in multiple formats
Exit Exit the program
1. Basics 17
Show/Hide Control Buttons Show or hide the Session Control buttons
Copy Primary > Secondary Duplicate primary screen to secondary screen
Copy Secondary > Primary Duplicate secondary screen to primary screen
Close Secondary Close secondary screen
Session Overview Switch between Session Overview and Real-Time mode
1. Basics 18
Activation & Registration Show status of activation
About BioTrace Show more information about BioTrace version
Shortcuts
Shortcuts are a quick way to access the main functions. These shortcut actions are:
1. Basics 19
Client Database
The Client Database is database where all client and session data is stored. In this database it
is possible to manage client data and open previously recorded sessions.
More information about managing sessions in the Client Database, please refer to chapter 2. Sessions
1. Basics 20
Adding and editing clients
When adding a new or editing a client, the Client Information screen will appear.
or
Fill out or edit all available information about the client. At least the Last name and First
name fields have to be filled out. Click the OK button to save the client information.
Be aware though that by deleting a client, all the client information, including all the sessions will be
deleted.
1. Basics 21
Edit clinic information
Click the following button in the Client Database:
Enter therapist information and clinic information. This information will show up when
printing reports.
Reports can be created with an own logo. By putting the logo in to the BioTrace+ Folder
..\BioTrace\Images., the logo can be chosen from the drop down menu on the right bottom.
Make sure to name the logo Logo<number>, e.g. logo1, logo12. For an optimal result, the
size of the logo should be 450 x 450 pixels.
Screen Browser
The Screen Browser contains all available feedback screens in BioTrace+. Open the Screen
Browser by clicking the following button on Home:
Alternatively by clicking the Screen Browser button in the Session Control Bar.
1. Basics 22
Add new category* Load screen as primary screen
Rename category* Load screen as secondary screen
*Only applicable for My Screens Save screen
Delete screen
Bookmark screen to favorites
Show help text
My Screens display your own screens. It is possible to add new categories and to rename an
existing category. BioTrace+ Screens show all screens which are available in BioTrace+.
Choose between the several libraries or favorites. Choose a category from the left side of
the browser.
Open a screen by selecting the screen and click the following buttons:
1. Basics 23
Add screens to favorites
Select a screen in the Screen Browser.
Enter the name for the screen and click OK. The screen has now been bookmarked as
favorites.
Open Favorites on the Home screen or restart the Screen Browser in order to start using the
bookmarked screen.
Shortcuts
It is also possible to assign a function key (F1-F12) to a screen. Select a screen and press one
of the function keys (F1-F12). Press the K key for an overview of the shortcuts. The defined
shortcut can be found on the right side of this window. Hold the Ctrl for loading this screen
as a secondary screen.
Session Overview
Session Overview is used to view or review data and perform (offline) analysis.
Switch back to Real-Time mode by clicking the following button in the Session Controls:
1. Basics 24
Alternatively press the Tab key to quickly switch between both (or by clicking Screen >
Session Overview in the top menu).
For more information about data analysis, please refer to 4. Review and 5. Analysis & Reporting.
Settings
System settings
Open the System Settings by selecting Configuration > System Settings in the top menu.
Select Use data directory option for data storage on a networked drive. In that case several
computers will be able to have access to the same database. Browse for a database.
The Battery-low warning option enables an alert when the battery of the device turns low
during operation. This option is enabled by default.
The Output live data option can be enabled for storing output data in
'\BioTrace\System\DataChan.bin'.
The extended database option shall be selected when using the database system
incorporated in BioTrace+ versions released prior to 2006.
1. Basics 25
Printer: black & white. Enable this option for printing all reports in black and white.
The Intro sound can be disabled by checking this option. This mutes the intro and outro
sound during startup and exit.
The Bandpass DC correction option sets bandpass correction. Choose one of the following
options:
Select the Language of all menus and screens. Choose between (other languages may be
available):
The option Select Screen Selection Strategy sets which screens are visible in the screen
browser and the routing/menu buttons.
- Show All screens shows all screens available for this instance of BioTrace+.
- Show selected language only shows only screens from the selected
language.
- Show latest version shows the screens with the highest available version
number from the own or the English language.
- Show selected language preferred shows screens from the own or the
English language with a preference for the own language, regardless of
the version number of the English screen. This last option is the default
option in BioTrace+.
The Session recording time option sets the recording maximum session recording time.
Choose between the following time settings:
With the Font settings option font size of objects on therapist screens can be adjusted.
Choose between not applicable (default), 10, 12, 14, and 18.
The Tooltip option enables the tooltip when hovering over objects.
1. Basics 26
1. Basics 27
The MIDI Sound Set option allows choosing between the default MIDI set and User MIDI set.
The User MIDI set allows to create a custom MIDI set of up to 16 MIDI channels, selectable
from 128 available MIDI instruments.
Color schemes
The Color schemes enable to load different color layout of the therapist and client screens.
Open the Select a color scheme screen by selecting Configuration > Color Scheme in the top
menu.
Disable the color scheme <<Disable Color scheme>> to leave the screens in the original color
set. Color schemes are disabled by default.
1. Basics 28
Disable Color scheme/ default color settings
Select one of the various color schemes, and click OK to apply the scheme for all therapist
and client screens.
Dark-2.colorscheme enabled
Check Include My-Screens for enabling a color scheme to all available screens in My Screens.
1. Basics 29
2. Sessions
This chapter describes recording sessions and how to store client data.
Starting a session
Start a session by using one of the following libraries on the Home menu:
Alternatively start a session with the Screen Browser. Please refer to 1. Basics.
Select a screen in the list. A preview is shown when hovering over a button.
Now the screen is loaded. Use the Toolbar getting more information about the signal, learn
how to connect the hardware, or perform a signal check.
Recording a session
It is not possible to start a recording if the NeXus is not paired to the computer. Always make sure the
device has sufficient power before starting a recording.
Click the Record button of the Session Control Bar at the bottom of the screen, to start a
recording.
2. Sessions 30
The Select a client dialog box will appear.
The New session recording screen will appear. The computer starts the connecting to the
NeXus.
To create a new client, click the Add new button in the Select a client screen.
The Client Information screen will appear. Fill out at least a Last name and a First name. Click
OK to save the new client.
Pausing a session
In order to pause a recording, click Pause in the Session Control Bar.
2. Sessions 31
Saving a session
In order to stop a recording, click Stop in the Session Control Bar.
Click Yes to save the session and to enter a description of the session.
It is possible to rename or delete a session in the Client Database. Please refer to chapter 1. Basics.
Adding markers
Markers can define a certain event during a recording. These markers can be added
manually by pressing the following button in Session controls (or by pressing Enter):
It is also possible to set automatic consecutive numbering (1, 2, ..) markers by pressing Space
bar. Markers by using 'space bar' or 'enter' will show up as a dotted line in the session
overview screen.
Please note that the marker is set at the exact time the ‘space bar’ or ‘enter’ key are pressed.
2. Sessions 32
Use the NeXus device for adding markers or triggers:
- NeXus-4 and NeXus-32: Press the on/off button
- NeXus-10: Press the marker button
Markers generated by NeXus will show up as a straight pink line in the session overview
screen.
Opening a session
Click the Client Database button in the Top Menu for opening a session
Select a client on the left side. All sessions of this client are shown on the right.
If a screen has not been loaded yet, a dialog box will appear. Click Yes to load a screen in the
Screen Browser.
Select a screen which can display the recorded data, like an EMG screen for a session that contains
EMG data.
Replaying a session
Click the Play button of the session control buttons for reviewing a session.
2. Sessions 33
The time slider can be used during review mode only, to scroll through the session.
Click inside the scrollbar and move the scrollbar while holding (dragging) the scrollbar. This
function only works in case a session has been loaded.
Holding the Ctrl key down while using the cursor keys, will step through the session in steps
of 50 milliseconds.
Editing sessions
It is possible to edit sessions in the Client Database.
Deleting sessions
Delete one or multiple sessions by clicking the following button
Renaming sessions
Rename a session by selecting a session and clicking the following button
2. Sessions 34
Adding session notes
Click the following button for adding or editing session notes:
Add a description and enter session note text. Click OK for adding the session notes.
Backing up sessions
Click Configuration > System Settings in the top menu. This will open System Settings. Check
the following box:
After clicking OK a *.mdb file can be selected. Click Open to store data in this selected file.
The entire folder Data will have to be moved to the networked drive in order to perform this
procedure.
Exporting sessions
Open the Client and Session Database, select a session from a client and click the following
button:
2. Sessions 35
This will open the Wizard Export Sessions.
The first three options will export directly to *.bcd file. Select an option and click Next. Click
the Save button to export a session.
Select Export a custom selection for more options. This will open the Export Sessions screen.
2. Sessions 36
It is possible to select multiple sessions and/or clients. Edit Export Settings for advanced
options like client confidentiality, raw data only, include trend reports, and exclude
video/audio. Click Export for exporting the selection to a *.bcd file.
Importing sessions
Open the Client and Session Database and click the following button:
Click OK and select a *.bcd file. Click Open. The Wizard Import Session screen will appear.
Select a client or create a new client from the drop-down menu. Click Next >> to import the
file.
2. Sessions 37
Import from flash memory for NeXus-4
Import ambulatory sessions by selecting Import ambulatory sessions from Flash Memory.
When this option is not available, make sure that the latest driver is installed.
Select one or more sessions and click the Import Selected Sessions button to import the
session into the Client and Session Database.
BioTrace+ can handle ambulatory session of up to 24 hours. Ambulatory sessions that are longer than
24 hours need to be converted to .bin files which will present the data as arrays of float values.
2. Sessions 38
Select one or more sessions and click the Import Selected Sessions button to import the
sessions into the Client and Session Database.
Please note that after importing an ambulatory session you need to recompute the session overview in
order to assign the virtual data channels to your sensor input channels.
Open the desired client screen where the recorded data has to be displayed.
Load the ambulatory session via the Client and Session Database and switch to the overview screen.
Click right mouse button in the overview screen, select Recompute Session Overview and click Yes
twice to recompute and save the session.
Z-Score
Read the Z-Score white paper for more information about how to use Z-Score. Visit our
website (http://www.mindmedia.info/support/technical-whitepapers) for an overview of
the latest white papers.
Configuring Z-Score
Go to the top menu and select Configuration > ZScore Configuration (or press the Z key).
2. Sessions 39
Select EEG channels 1 to 4 with the related electrode position. It is also possible to select age
and condition (eyes closed or open).
Activating Z-Score
Click the buttons at the bottom of the Z Score Configuration and Channel Selection screen for
registering Z-Score.
Read the license agreement and accept this agreement. This will generate a security key
called 'Security Key A'.
Mail this 'Security Key A' to the supplier. After receiving 'Security Key B', enter this key and
click OK. Z-Score will now be activated.
2. Sessions 40
3. Feedback
This chapter describes the feedback settings during a session.
Types of feedback
Selecting feedback
There are several types of feedback which can be selected on a therapist screen. This can be
performed by the Feedback Type Controls on the right of a training screen:
Video Clock
Puzzle Zoomer
Animation Mandala
Game Protocol
Disc
Audio
For each type of feedback a selection window will appear. This enables to select other
feedback content for the client screen.
For more information on videos, animations, puzzles, and audio files, please refer to chapter 6. Objects
Threshold modes
The threshold setting controls are displayed on the right of a bar graph:
Manual threshold
Automatic threshold
Disable threshold
3. Feedback 41
Use the Feedback Options & Thresholds menu for custom settings. Please refer to the next
paragraphs.
Manual threshold
Set a manual threshold by clicking the following button:
The threshold can be set by swiping the bar to the right value with the mouse cursor.
Automatic threshold
Set an automatic threshold by clicking the following button:
When the automatic threshold type is based on statistics (see Advanced threshold options) the AT
(Automatic Threshold) button will appear in the %Success indicator
By pressing the AT button you are able to select the desired (success) target for the automatic
threshold from a list with steps of 5% increments.
Please note that when you change the direction of training while the automatic threshold is activated,
you need to reset the automatic threshold to the desired target.
Disable threshold
Disable thresholds by clicking the following button:
A dotted line means that no feedback options have been set for this object. A solid line
means that feedback options have been activated.
The ] key can also be used to the enable or disable feedback. To show or hide the threshold line press [.
3. Feedback 42
Threshold directions
The threshold direction controls are displayed on the right of a bar graph:
Train up
Train down
Hide/show graph
It is possible to hide and unhide the bargraph feedback on the client screen
If bar graphs are hidden, feedback settings are not activated on the client screen.
Hide/show/reset counter
Control counters on the therapist and client screens. The counter controls are located in the
bottom right corner of a screen:
Reset counter
3. Feedback 43
The Biofeedback and Threshold Settings dialog box will appear.
Enable/unable feedback
Enable thresholds and feedback settings by checking Enable Biofeedback at the bottom.
When right clicking within a line graph or bar graph object, a threshold line will appear.
3. Feedback 44
Target percentage will create a threshold in which the value will be a percentage of the time
above threshold.
Note that when enabling the second threshold, the settings for In-between thresholds will be
activated. Threshold 2 should always be below threshold 1.
Setting a counter
A counter can be set for showing scoring above, in-between, or below thresholds. A
numerical indicator will have to be present and set for scoring to become visible.
Right-click a numerical indicator, choose Display Options & Ranges and display a counter
value in order to show scoring.
Required time (ms) defines how long a threshold condition should last, before the feedback
starts, a feedback delay (e.g. setting it to 1000 ms, means that feedback will start whenever
the feedback condition has been met for at least 1 second).
The reward-tag can be used in combination with the Show %reward function which can be
set in the Display Options and Range Settings screen under Data Type/Stats.
Bargraph objects can be set for up- or down training, or both by ticking the Reward-tag
checkbox in the Biofeedback and Threshold Settings dialog of the bargraph object.
3. Feedback 45
Advanced feedback options
Right-click an object and select Feedback Options & Thresholds.
This will open the Biofeedback and Threshold Settings dialog box.
Select one of the following feedback types for above, in-between, or below threshold(s).
Always enable feedback for setting audio feedback (see previous paragraph).
No feedback
The feedback type for each threshold state can be set on No feedback. This means no
feedback is set for above, in-between, or above a threshold states.
In case an inhibit state is active all audio and visual feedback will be ‘paused or stopped’
until the inhibit state goes away. It does not matter in which screen (primary or secondary)
the inhibit is activated.
An inhibit state is indicated by a red background in the time display of the session control
buttons.
Check Ignore Inhibit all for deactivating 'inhibit all feedback' of other objects.
3. Feedback 46
Midi tone feedback
This option will play a tone, a chord or sequence of MIDI tones. Click Edit.
This will open the MIDI Tone Feedback Settings dialog box for setting the volume, type of
instrument and tone/melody settings.
Set the volume with the slider on the left from min. to max. Choose a musical instrument in
the middle column.
Check Use Repeating Single Tone to continuously play the tone in case the feedback
condition is met.
3. Feedback 47
This will open the MIDI song feedback settings dialog box.
Click <-- to move a song from Available songs (right) to Selected songs (left). Use the <--All to
select all available songs.
Click Play for a preview of the song. Click Stop to stop a preview.
Checking Loop Song(s) will keep on playing the midi-tone as long as the feedback condition
is met.
Change the order of the selected songs by selecting a song and clicking Up or Down.
CD audio feedback
It is also possible to play tracks from an audio CD. Insert an audio CD. The CD-drive will
automatically be detected.
Click Edit to select tracks, loop tacks, etc. It is not possible to change volume.
3. Feedback 48
Digitized sound feedback
Click Edit to select a media file (WAV, MP3 or WMA), change volume, loop songs, enable
volume feedback etc.
This will open the Digital sound & song feedback settings dialog box.
Most of the functionality is the same as the option Midi Song feedback.
Check Enable Volume Feedback to use a special option that uses ‘fading in and out’ control
on your sound files.
This will open the Volume Feedback Control Settings dialog box.
3. Feedback 49
- Fade out range
o 24 dB defines volume level fading out to soft but still audible level.
o 60 dB defines volume level fading out to total silence.
When clicking the Custom button, the custom frequency range setting is pushed to the
selected instruments.
The range of the frequency can be set by clicking the button next to it.
Respiration/HRV pacer
The pacer can be used for ‘pacing’ or training signals using a template wave-form
This option is only applicable for all screens with a respiration pacer.
Click the following icon to set the respiration pacer (or go to the top menu and select
Configuration > RSP/HRV Pacer Settings)
3. Feedback 50
This will open the Respiratory Pacer Settings screen.
Setting parameters
The following parameters can be set (time entered in milliseconds):
- T1 Inhale Time: the time it takes to go from baseline (0) to the maximum (inhale).
- T2 Sustain Time: the time the signal will be sustained (hold) at maximum.
- T3 Exhale Time: the time the signal will drop from maximum to baseline (exhale).
- T4 Pause Time: the ‘pause time’ in between this and the next cycle.
Based on these parameters, a pacer rate in breaths per minutes (BPM) will be calculated.
Click the + and - button to change the pacer rate while maintaining the same ratios.
Use the + and – keyboard keys during a session in order to speed up or slow down the pacer.
Check Bind pacer settings... to always have the same setting for the loaded screen.
This feature requires a pacer to be present in the screen. It is of no importance which type of object, as
long as it is connected to the pacer-input of the channel set.
3. Feedback 51
Setting automatic pacer
A pacer can be set to change over time with a preset start/end and with a pre-set step size.
Click Load (client) to load saved pacer settings for the currently selected client.
3. Feedback 52
4. Review
This chapter describes the data for analyzing sessions. Data can be viewed and edited in
Session Overview by clicking the following button in the Session Control Bar.
Or go to Screen > Session overview in the top menu (or press the Tab key).
Selecting data
Select data by clicking the left mouse button and dragging the mouse to the left or right.
A selected area
The selected data will be highlighted by a black background. When releasing the mouse
button, a drop down menu will appear, presenting several options.
It is recommended to use the x-axis (time) at the bottom of the screen for selecting data. This prevents
unwanted changes in the data, like moving segments.
Zooming data
Choose Zoom selected data after having selected data by left clicking and dragging the
mouse.
Another way of zooming in and out is by choosing the option Size of TIME axis when clicking
the right mouse button in the session overview screen mode. Choose the length of the time
axis from a drop down menu.
The time-axis can also be set by using the + and - keys on the numerical keyboard.
To zoom out, right mouse click and choose Time-axis <Fit Session>. Quickly zoom out by
pressing Backspace.
4. Review 53
Segments
Adding segments
Add specific segments in the session to distinguish different phases in a recording.
After selecting a part of the data, a segment can be defined by using the Add Segment
option.
There are several predefined segment types available, like baseline, train, stressor, relax etc..
These are distinguished by name and color.
Deleting segments
To delete a marked segment, select the segment by left clicking it. A selected segment will
show black ‘handles’ around it.
Right click and select Segment options: > Delete this segment (or left-click a segment and
press the Delete key).
A dialog box will appear. Press the Yes button to confirm deleting the segment.
When deleting a segment, only the segment will be deleted, not the actual data!
Locking segments
Protect segments for editing or deleting by right clicking and selecting Segment options: >
Lock Segments!
This can be done for just one segment by first selecting the particular segment. Or this can
be done for all segments together in the data by selecting no segment(s).
Just click this same option again to unlock segments for editing.
4. Review 54
The Definition of segment types screen will appear.
Enter a segment name in the text box and click Add segment type to add a new segment.
The new entry will be placed at the bottom of the list.
To attribute a color to a new or existing segment, first select the segment in the list and then
click on the color box on the right to select a color.
Artifact areas
Artifact areas are special types of segments that mark a part of the session as being ‘invalid’.
These artifact areas will be excluded for analysis. The data in the artifact area will not be
deleted, it is only ‘marked’ as being artifact.
4. Review 55
One or two criteria for data rejection can be set. Whenever a signal meets a criterion, red
marks will appear just above the time axis.
When marking a part of the data as an artifact area, data of all channels at that certain time point will
be marked as artifact and excluded in the analysis.
Event markers
Adding markers
To insert event markers after the data recording, right-click the screen and select Event
markers: > Add marker.
Editing markers
Moving a marker
A marker can be moved when hovering the mouse over the dotted line. The cursor of the
mouse will transform into a cursor with two arrows.
Now move the marker by pressing the left mouse button and moving the mouse to the left
or right.
4. Review 56
Renaming a marker
Rename a marker by selecting it, pressing the right mouse button, and selecting Event
markers: > Rename marker.
Deleting a marker
Delete a marker by selecting it, pressing the right mouse button, and selecting Event
markers: > Delete marker (or by selecting a marker and press the Delete key).
Display type
Change the display type by choosing Display type.
This option enables to select the graphical way the data is displayed:
- Lingraph (default)
- Linegraph with markers
- Bargraph 2D
- Bargraph 3D
Smoothing data
Set smoothing of the signal by Smoothing.
4. Review 57
Smoothing is an option that will ‘dampen’ a signal, in case it is rapidly moving up and down.
Setup smoothing with a factor 2 till factor 64. Smoothing is disabled by default. This option is
only available for line graphs.
Data Type/Statistics
Select the option Data type/statistics to change the way the data is processed before being
displayed.
Displaying thresholds
Display thresholds by choosing Thresholds > Display thresholds.
When computing statistics, the settings of the thresholds will provide an estimated value of
the percentage of time the signal was above threshold-1 and below threshold-2.
Overlapping channels
Show multiple signals within one Y-axis by choosing overlapping channels.
Select (highlight) a channel in order to add it to display it. To delete a channel from the
display, just click it again in order to deselect it.
Use this option only to combine channels that are in the same y-range. This option is only available for
the line graphs display type.
4. Review 58
EEG signal (re)montaging
The amplifier acquires EEG signals with a common average reference. From this common
average source signal, all other montages are derived. Montages can be changed on the fly,
also during a recording.
Change the montage by choosing EEG in the top menu. The current montage is indicated
with a check mark. The following EEG montages can be set:
Editing montages
Choose User Defined Montages > Open Montage Editor in the top menu to define own
bipolar or referential montage.
Enable bi-polar montage configuration by selecting Use Bi-Polar montage. Select EEG Source
Input 1 and EEG Source Input 2.
4. Review 59
Select Save montage as… to save the current configuration. After restart of BioTrace+ the
new montage will appear in the drop down menu.
Select (highlight) a channel in order to add it to display it. To delete a channel from the
display, just click it again in order to deselect it. Click OK to view the selection. At the bottom
the number of channels selected is shown.
4. Review 60
Exporting session data
To export session data, choose File > Export session data.
Note that in case of EDF or EDF+ , the option Use maximum range will become available.
This function is necessary to accurately display EDF files in 3rd party software.
4. Review 61
Exporting (Q)EEG data
Select EEG the top menu to export all data. Alternatively select a segment and select Export
QEEG.
Confirm the parameters in the following dialog box and click the OK button to save the file.
Click OK for exporting data. Click Save to save the file (by default in the folder
.../BioTrace/Export)
Exporting a selection
Alternatively, select data in the session overview screen, and choose Export selected data
from the drop down menu.
4. Review 62
5. Analysis & Reporting
This chapter describes analysis of session data. Data can be analyzed in the Session Overview
screen by clicking the following button in the Session Control Bar.
Session statistics
Right click the Session Overview screen and choose Compute statistics: > On entire session.
This will compute basic statistics (min, max, mean, etc.) for each signal that is displayed.
Text from this dialog box can be copied and pasted in to other programs
The session statistics box will show up, showing basic statistics for each type of segment.
A preview of the graphs, basic client information and the statistics will be presented. This
preview can be printed or stored as a PDF file, depending on the software installed on the
computer
Intra-session trends
Right-click the Session Overview screen and choose Intra-session trend.
Intra-session reports can be generated which are based on the segments. At least 2
segments must be defined. Choose the type of statistics.
Click View selected report for viewing previously generated reports. Click Delete report for
deleting reports.
The Trend Report Generator will appear. When selecting Use entire session to generate
trend the report will immediately be generated.
Choose the segment to generate the trend report for and click next. Now choose the way
the data should be presented and the Y-scale range.
After clicking OK a print preview will appear. Click the Print... button on the left top to print
the trend report.
HRV Analysis
For more information about the HRV analysis, please refer to the HRV white paper. Visit our
website (http://www.mindmedia.info/support/technical-whitepapers) for an overview of
the latest white papers.
Perform an HRV analysis by selecting a segment of data, or by right-click the session
overview screen and choosing Analysis Functions > HRV Analysis.
This will open the HRV Analysis & Interbeat Interval Table screen. In this screen it is possible
to set artifact criteria or remove artifacts. It is also possible to generate a HRV report or
export an IBI Table.
Click OK to continue.
This will open the LF-Resonant Frequency and Pacer Settings screen.
Click Print RF Report, to create a report of the RF calculation. The report will show the peak
frequency and if applicable, the segment withholding the peak frequency.
The BVP vascular analysis is based on a small database and should be used as a relative
measure for improving vascular flexibility (decreasing vascular age).
This function uses BVP data to get an idea of vascular flexibility. Set the marker T1 at the first
peak and T2 at the second peak of the mean BVP signal.
Correlation Analysis
Right-click the session overview screen and choose Analysis functions: > Correlation Analysis
To obtain the estimate of correlation, click the Apply button. Correlation is expressed in a
number between -1 and 1.
This function uses a Pearson Product Moment on epoch based channel data. Epochs contain
summary data and statistics, which are stored 4 times per second. Therefore the correlation
function works well on analyzing slow signals (<10 Hz) or trends over longer time periods
(larger than 10 seconds).
ERP/VEP
For more information, please refer to the ERP/VEP white-paper. Visit our website
(http://www.mindmedia.info/support/technical-whitepapers) for an overview of the latest
white papers.
Select ERP/VEP > Load Presentation in the top menu for loading presentation. Select a
*.presentation file and click 'OK'.
Select ERP/VEP > Build new Presentation in the top menu for building a new presentation.
Choose for an ERP, VEP, or ATT presentation. Set the type of paradigm and stimulus related
to the type of presentation. This can be set in the "ERP/EP Stimulus and Event Presentation
builder" screen.
Click Next >> for the ERP Event Presentation List Generator. In this dialog box it is possible to
set the parameters of the selected ERP paradigm.
Click Next >> to finish the presentation. This will open an alert box which will ask to build the
presentation.
Click 'OK'.
This will open the Event Presentation Editor for editing the events in the presentation.
This will open the ERP Analysis screen for editing the settings of the analysis.
Click Save ERP: ASCII File for saving the ERP analysis.
This function computes an ‘averaged response’ of SCP trials. Go to the top menu and choose
SCP/Trials > Build new trial sequence for building a new trial.
Click-right in the session overview screen and select Analysis functions: > SCP averaged
response.
Averaged graphs can be smoothed by choosing Smooth averaged graph. Check Use Inversed
Polarity to inverse polarity.
Select EEG channels for the FFT analysis and click OK.
Enable artifact rejection by checking Use Artifact Rejection. Click OK to finish the
configuration.
To perform a FFT analysis, select an area in the overview screen and click Analysis functions:
> FFT Analysis (EEG).
This function will offer the possibility to create offline spectra of 2 EEG channels.
NeuroMapping Report
To create a NeuroMapping report, select an area in the overview screen and click
Neuromapping Report > Selected Segment
The left bottom graph will show the FFT for all EEG channels, the right bottom graphs show
the average.
Click Print Neuromap Report to sent the results to a printer. Click Export Results to ASCII to
output the results to a file.
This feature is only available for NeXus-32 and will only work in the EEG multiline graph, not in review
mode. It will also only work when a referential montage has been selected
In the EEG multiline graph screen, left click on the time-scale and drag the mouse.
General objects
These objects can be used for general purposes on a screen, they do not display any signals.
Action objects
These objects can be used for performing actions on a screen.
Line graphs
These objects can be used for displaying signals in a line graph.
The Dual Y-Scale Line Graph Display a line graph for 2 types of signals
6. Objects 75
Bar graphs
These objects can be used for displaying signals in a bar graph.
Numerical objects
These objects can be used for displaying numerical data.
Imaging objects
These objects can be used for visualizing ranges of signals or display certain states.
Multimedia objects
The following Multimedia objects can display certain states.
6. Objects 76
Capturing objects
These objects can be used for capturing audio and video.
When placing the text object on the grid, you can enter text. Otherwise right-click this object
and select Enter Text to enter or edit text.
6. Objects 77
Select the following types of text can be selected:
Right-click the object and click Select Image to select a background image for the text box.
This object displays a static image that can be used for instruction, as information or as a
background image. Image objects support JPG and PNG images.
6. Objects 78
This will show the image selection dialog box.
Select an item from the list (left). The following options can be set:
- Alignment: this defines how the image will be placed or stretched inside the image
object box. Alignment options are displayed in the red box.
- Inset: This defines how much space there will be around the image.
This object displays buttons which can be used for performing specific actions. Button
objects support JPG and PNG images.
Enter text
Right-click a button and select Enter Text for editing text.
6. Objects 79
This will show the image selection dialog box.
Right-click a button and select Enter Help Text to edit help text.
Now right-click the text box which will be used to show the help texts and select Enter Text.
6. Objects 80
Select Show HELP texts in this object from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the dialog
box.
Click OK. Now help texts will appear when hovering over buttons. Check Use Fade-in effect
for a fade-in effect.
Hyperlink to screen
A button can be used to hyperlink to another screen. A hyperlink will load a selected screen.
Right-click a button and select Hyperlink to screen.
Click OK.
This will open the Screens folder in a file selector. Browse to a category and select a .*screen
file.
Button actions
Apart from the basic hyperlink action, it is possible to set other button actions. Right-click
the button and choose Button Action.
6. Objects 81
This will show the Button Action Settings screen.
Combine up to 2 Boolean criteria with a logical AND or OR function. Select N/A for no extra
conditions.
6. Objects 82
When a button is clicked (or auto-clicked by a criterion) you can define a number of click-
actions:
1) Generate an event marker
2) Create a new segment
3) Increment the trial counter by 1
The segment will cover the period from the ‘click time’ of the button, to the moment that a new
segment is created.
Select up to 4 button actions. Not all combinations will be valid though. There are several
button actions which can be defined.
Some actions need to link a file. Click the buttons in the following box to link a file:
6. Objects 83
o feedback properties
o enable/disable feedback
o threshold settings
- Visual object settings
o color and border
o title text
Click Select to select the instrument on which the setting should be pushed.
Select the properties which should be pushed the selected instrument by ticking the
checkbox.
To setup the push settings, click on the button on the right of the selected push setting to open the
dialog showing all the options.
6. Objects 84
Batch button settings
A batch button action can be used to apply more than 4 actions with a single button
(limitation of normal button action). It is also possible to use similar button actions multiple
times with the click of a single button.
Select the Batch Button Actions setting in the list box. Make sure this is the only selected
action.
Button actions can be added or edited in the Batch Button dialog. Click Add or Edit to open
the Batch Button Editor.
The Description and Selected action can be set with Select action and Configure / Settings.
6. Objects 85
Create a custom frequency range button
Select the Edit channel parameter setting in the list box.
Click the button Select the channel for editing to open the Select channel dialog.
Select a custom channel in this dialog and click Edit to open the Edit channel dialog of this
custom channel.
For information about editing channels, please refer to chapter 8. Inputs & Channels
6. Objects 86
The Single Y-Scale Line graph
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The Single Y-Scale Line Graph can show one type of signal and is capable of displaying up to
4 channels of the same unit simultaneously.
Use the Dual Y-Scale Line graph instrument for displaying signals with different units and ranges (e.g.
heart rate and temperature).
Right-click the line graph object and select Display Options & Ranges.
- Data type/stats:
Current actual data value
Successful POS/NEG feedback trails
Successful POS/NEG transfer trails
Successful VEOG POS/NEG trails
All POS/NEG feedback trails
All POS/NEG transfer trails
All VEOG POS/NEG trails
- Instrument style: thickness of the line
Width 1 (thin)
Width 2
Width 3 (thick)
Filled
- Display options 1: polarity
6. Objects 87
Normal
Inversed
- Display options 2: grid options
Show grid fine
Show grid medium
Hide grid
- Event markers: show markers in Linegraph (offline)
The range of a line graph can also be adjusted with buttons in the graph. Click + or - to
increase or decrease the range of the Y-axis.
Click F to fit the range the Y-scale with minimum and maximum measurement of the session.
Change the range of the X-axis by clicking T for increasing the range and t for decreasing the
range.
For Color Settings, Backgrounds & Borders, Title Text(s), and Font Settings, please refer to chapter 6.
Editing.
6. Objects 88
The Dual Y-Scale Line graph
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The Polylinegraph
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The Polylinegraph can only show signals. No feedback can be set. A maximum of 32 signals
can be displayed on a single X-scale . The object auto-scales the signals, so the signal will
always fit.
Select a range of up to 32 data channels. Right-click the object and select Connect to data
channel.
6. Objects 89
The Select channels screen will appear.
It is not needed to select all channels. Just select the first and the last channel in the range which need
to be displayed.
6. Objects 90
EEG Polarity
The current polarity and range of the EEG displayed is shown in the left upper corner of the
EEG graph.
The above picture shows the NEGATIVE polarity is UP and the total range of the EEG signals
is 10 µV pk-pk.
Edit the polarity by right clicking on the graph and choose Display Options & Ranges.
Define the Grid and Polarity options under the Display Options 2 list box.
The EEG-Style grid will display negative signals UP. All other grid styles will display positive as
UP.
This instrument computes and displays a spectral analysis of any time sampled signal. It is
based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT).
6. Objects 91
Right-click an object and select Display Options & Ranges.
For Color Settings, Backgrounds & Borders, Title Text(s), and Font Settings, please refer to chapter 6.
Editing.
6. Objects 92
The Dual FFT Spectrum
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
This object is very similar to the Single FFT Spectrum, except for the fact that it can display
the spectrum of two channels of data. The display of the spectrum is shown in a horizontal
fashion, where the first channel is shown to the left and the second channel is shown to the
right.
Right-click an Dual FFT Spectrum object and select Display Options & Ranges.
This object is sometimes called a spectral ‘Waterfall’ or ‘Compressed Spectral Array’. The 3D
FFT Spectrum is a spectral analysis over time, where there are three axes:
1) The Y-axis, showing the amplitude of the signal
2) The X-axis, showing the frequencies
3) The Z-axis, showing the progress of time
6. Objects 93
Right-click an object and select Display Options & Ranges.
Other settings are similar to The Single FFT Spectrum. Show FFT statistics and Smoothing are not
supported.
The Spectrogram
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The main use for the Spectrogram is to provide a visual overview of spectral activity over
time. It displays a spectral analysis of a channel in a different way than a regular FFT
Spectrum:
- The Y-axis, showing the frequencies.
- The X-axis, showing the time.
- The magnitude of the activity is shown by the intensity of a color.
6. Objects 94
Blue or dark colors indicate low level activity. Red, yellow and white colors indicate medium
and higher levels.
The FFT Epoch size is similar to The Single FFT Spectrum. Other options are not supported.
The NeuroMap
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
This object maps the activity of the 21 remontaged EEG channels on a 2D surface, also called
a topographical EEG map or “Brain Map”.
The electrical EEG activity is analyzed through a FFT (fast fourier transformation). The
following measures are derived: of:
The selected parameter is plotted on 21 points interpolated over the entire map. Each white
dot in the image represents a 10-20 location.
Right-click the NeuroMap object and select Display Options & Ranges.
6. Objects 95
- Instrument style:
- Display options 1:
2D NeuroMap
3D NeuroMap
Please note that a NeuroMapping display is always a limited representation of the electrical activity
which is going on in the brain. Both the spectral analysis on which it is based, as well as the graphic
display and interpolations can only provide an approximate image of the complex electrical activity of
the brain.
NeuroMap settings
Configure the NeuroMap settings by right clicking on the NeuroMap object and select
Choose NeuroMap Settings.
Another way to access these settings is by choosing the top menu EEG > NeuroMap
Configuration.
The Select a NeuroMapping Settings screen will appear, connect to one of the parameters.
To edit these settings, click on Edit. Another way to access these settings is by right clicking
on the NeuroMap object and select Edit Neuromap Settings.
6. Objects 96
The NeuroMap Channel Editor screen will appear.
Right below the measuring unit of the color representation is shown (in this case µV pk-pk).
Beware to adapt the range of the instrument to the selected type of computation.
6. Objects 97
The Bargraph
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The Display Options & Range Settings screen will appear. The following options can be
edited:
6. Objects 98
- Display options 2: bar options
Rectangle
Image (select image for vertical movement)
The range of a bargraph can also be adjusted with buttons in the graph. Click + or - to
increase or decrease the range of the Y-axis.
Click F to fit the range the Y-scale with minimum and maximum measurement of the session.
It is possible to link a bar graph to another object. Right-click a bar graph and select Link to
instrument.
This will open the Link to input from another instrument screen.
Check This is a secondary screen if the object is placed on a secondary screen. The object
will be linked to an object on a primary screen. It will automatically link the threshold state.
For Color Settings, Backgrounds & Borders, Title Text(s), and Font Settings, please refer to chapter 6.
Editing.
6. Objects 99
The Vernier Instrument
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
This instrument is rather similar to the Bargraph, except that it displays signals horizontally.
The graph of the Zoomer Instrument displays an rectangle, circle, or image which expands or
contracts in all directions.
6. Objects 100
Edit properties like:
- Instrument style: type of zoomer (see images above)
Rectangle zoomer
Circle zoomer
Image zoomer
- Display options 1: polarity
Normal
Inversed
6. Objects 101
Link to instrument
It is possible to link a numerical object to another object. Right-click a numerical instrument
and select Link to instrument.
Open the Display Options & Ranges for selecting the instrument style:
Check This is a secondary screen if the object is placed on a secondary screen. The object
will be linked to an object on a primary screen. It will automatically link the threshold state.
For Color Settings, Backgrounds & Borders, Title Text(s), and Font Settings, please refer to chapter 6.
Editing.
Input value
The Input value is a special numerical object.
Enter a value manually by using the numerical buttons on the keyboard and clicking the Set
button. Click + or - to increase or decrease the range of the value.
Select Input value > via keyboard in the Display options and range settings to enable input
values.
6. Objects 102
The Animation Instrument
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The Animation Instrument uses an ‘animated’ series of images that start in one position and
end in another. These images are played in a sequence which usually show a change, move
or expand.
Select an item from the list and set alignment and inset.
It is possible to add your own animations (*.bmp or *.jpg files). Animations are stored in the folder
...\BioTrace\Animations\<name of animation>. The first file of an animation is always named
<filename>0001.jpg, the second <filename>0002.jpg, etc.
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Visualize range
It is possible to link an animation object to the range of another object. Right-click the
animation and select Link to instrument.
This will open the Link to input from another instrument screen.
Select Link to range based state for linking the animation to a range of another object.
Check This is a secondary screen if the object is placed on a secondary screen. The object
will be linked to an object on a primary screen.
For Backgrounds & Borders and Title Text(s), please refer to chapter 6. Editing.
Visualize state
It is possible to link an animation object to the threshold state of another object. Right-click
the animation and select Link to instrument.
6. Objects 104
This will open the Link to input from another instrument screen.
Select Link to threshold state for linking the animation to a threshold of another object.
Check This is a secondary screen if the object is placed on a secondary screen. The object
will be linked to an object on a primary screen.
For Backgrounds & Borders and Title Text(s), please refer to chapter 6. Editing.
This object shows a water ripple effect where the height of the ripples reflect the magnitude
of the linked object.
The maximum ripple level is at the top of the range. Right-click an object and select Select
Image.
This will show the image selection dialog box. Select an item from the list and click OK.
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Press the R key to refresh the screen for displaying the new image.
All kinds of DirectX plug-ins can be installed. The DirectX Plug-in object can process a set of parameters
for each object it is linked to.
The Mandala Plug-In is a default DirectX plug-in. It rotates colored Mandalas in a 3D space.
The Mandalas are layered on top of each other and their size, brightness and rotation can be
steered.
6. Objects 106
Press the 'E' key and right-click on one of the black handles of the object.
Click Select PLUGIN type for selecting a plug-in. Click PLUGIN settings for setting the plug-in
properties.
The Mandala uses image sets. Each set consists of 3 layers which are projected into 3D space
and are made to respond to the physiological activity. Add a set and click the << Add Set
button.
When selecting more than 1 set (max of 8), it is possible to switch sets in N seconds or N
feedback frames.
A set consist of two dynamic layers and one static layer. Edit properties like:
- Size
- Brightness
- Rotation speed (dynamic layers only)
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Select up to 3 objects that control both dynamic layers. Only linked objects can be selected.
Right-click the Mandala object (on a black handle in editing mode) and select Link to
instrument to link objects.
This object can be used to feed-back very small increments or decrements of physiological
signals (e.g. for temperature).
The step size of the increment/decrement can be defined from very small (0.0001) to large
(1000) by clicking the + and - buttons in the middle.
This object plays video files. It does not display physiological data. The video file is replayed
in a window and will play only when the session is running in record or replay mode.
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Right-click a video and click Select video file.
Select a video file from the Available video files list. Click Play to preview the video. Click
Stop to stop the preview.
Click (or by a double left mouse click) to add a video to the Selected video playlist.
Multiple videos can be selected. Check Randomize list box to shuffle the sequence of the
selected videos.
The video selection window allows you to play the video from a specific point in time. Drag
the slider to the desired point, and click OK.
It is possible add videos (*.avi, *.wmv, *.asf, *.divx). Videos need to be stored in the folder
...\BioTrace\Videos.
Click Up or Down for moving the selected video file up or down in the playlist.
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Check Loop video file to replay a video once it ends.
Check Always play video if a video does not need to respond to feedback.
A video can pause, shrink or darken during inhibits. This can be set by right-clicking the edge
of a video and selecting or deselecting the following options:
The Disc Object plays video from a DVD-disk. The DVD file is played in a window and will play
only when the session is running in record or replay mode. Only one DVD object can be used
on a single screen.
Insert a DVD and wait until it is loaded. Go to Configuration > MultiMedia DVD Control in
the top menu (or press the M key).
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This will open the MultiMedia DVD navigation screen.
Use the time slider to move through the current video or return to the DVD menu by clicking
Go to DVD Menu. DVD navigation is only possible during recording or replay of a session.
Similar to the Video Replay object, the Disk object supports pausing and darkening of videos during
inhibits.
This object allows for playing games controlled by other objects and/or the keyboard.
Right-click on one of the black handles of the object (in editing mode).
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This will open a file selector. Select a game, edit alignment and inset, and click OK.
Game settings
Select Game Settings for editing game settings.
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Link to object
It is possible to link a game object to another object. Right-click a bar graph and select Link
to instrument.
Check This is a secondary screen if the object is placed on a secondary screen. The object
will be linked to an object on a primary screen. It will automatically link the threshold state.
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The Flash Animation Object
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
This object play an animation or video file in *.swf (Shockwave Flash) format. The flash file
will be played when a screen is opened.
Press the 'E' key and right-click on one of the black handles of the object.
This will open the SWF file selector. Add own *.swf files in the ..\BioTrace\SWF directory.
Select a file and click OK. It is also possible to adjust alignment and inset.
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The Video Capture Object
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
The Video Capture Object captures video from a digital camera or webcam during a session.
The video will be synced with the data. Only one object can be used for video capture on the
primary or secondary screen. During the session the video capture object will show a
preview of the video.
Connect the camera before starting BioTrace+ and make sure to install the latest drivers.
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The Audio Capture Object
Place a new object by selecting the following item in the Object Toolbar.
This object only captures audio. Typically it will use a microphone to store the sounds or
voice during a session.
Use the Video Capture Object for combining recording audio and video.
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7. Editing
This chapter describes editing possibilities of screens and objects.
Press Ctrl + Z to undo tasks which are performed in editing mode. This can be done for a maximum of
five previous tasks.
Background colors
Right-click on a screen background and select Set Background Colors.
The solid color and gradient color options can be set with Color fill, Gradient color, and
Background color.
Images which can be used as a background, are stored in 'Textures' folder of the BioTrace+ directory.
New images can be added by placing them in this folder.
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The Background push option allows a client screen’s object-colors to be in sync with the
corresponding therapist object-color.
The Border style and Drop shadow option are not applicable for the screen background.
Background sounds
Right-click the background of the screen and click Set Background Sound.
The Digital Sound & Song Feedback Settings dialog box will appear.
Select one of available media files for playing the sound when the screen is loaded (e.g. an
instruction). When the next screen is loaded, the background sound will stop. Check the
option Loop Song/Sound for replaying the file for as long as the screen is opened.
The available media files are stored in the 'Audio' folder of the BioTrace directory. New audio files can
be added by placing them in this folder.
Or right-click the background of the screen and click Show Screen Notes
7. Editing 118
This will open the Text Entry and Settings screen.
Edit text in the text box. Press OK to save notes. Click the button (or press the Escape
key) to close the pop-up window.
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Choose between the following background fill options:
- Non/ transparent (default background image)
- Solid color
- Gradient color
- Images
The solid color and gradient color options can be set with Color fill, Gradient color, and
Background color.
The border style will create a 'rectangle border' around the instrument/object. Check
Enabled for the Drop shadow option to create a shadow below the object.
Color settings
Change properties of the objects, instruments, scales, and screens by right clicking on them
and choose Color Settings.
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- Color of X and Y scale: The color of the scaling.
- Color of scale grid: The color of the scaling grid.
- Scale text color: The color of the scaling text.
- Title text color: The color of the title text.
Title text
A title text can be used to label an object. Enter or edit a title text by right-clicking the object
and choose Title Text(s).
Enter or edit text in the text field(s). Click Load default channel name(s) to fill in the title
texts using the channel names.
Choose left, centered, or right text justification with Justify title text. Change the
characteristics of the font with Title font. A standard font selector box will appear.
The title text color can be set with the option Color Settings.
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Fonts
Right click and object and choose Font Settings to edit fonts.
In this box it is possible to select the font, style, size, effects, and color.
It is possible to change ranges of the Y-scale, configure FFT settings, set smoothing, or data
type/statistics of objects.
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The Select channels screen will appear.
Select one or multiple data channels. The channel list box will indicate the number of
selected channels at the bottom. Click the OK button for saving the selection.
How to edit data channels, please refer to chapter 8. Input & Channels
Linking objects
Some objects can be linked to another object. It will use the threshold state or data and
scale range of the object. Right-click an object and select Link to Instrument.
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Object position and size
Enter the editing mode by selecting Screen > Edit Screen ('E') in the top menu.
The background will show a grey grid. All the objects on the screen will now have black
handles.
Moving objects
Click on the middle of an object, the cursor will change into a symbol with 4 arrows,
indicating it can be moved. The objects will snap to the grid, while moving the objects.
Objects can move freely when turning the grid off. This can be set in the top menu under
Screen > Grid > OFF (No Grid).
The default grid setting is 'fine', it can also be set to 'medium' or 'extra fine'.
Resizing objects
Click on a handle of an object, the cursor will change into a symbol with 2 arrows, indicating
it can be resized.
By 'dragging' (left clicking and holding) the handles of the object, it is possible to resize
objects.
Deleting objects
Delete an object by right clicking the object and select Delete (or select the object and press
the Delete key).
Copying objects
Right-click an object in the editing mode, and choose Copy (or select an object and press Ctrl
+ C). Right-click the object again and choose Paste (or press Ctrl + V) to paste the copy.
This will create a copy which has exact same size and properties as the original object.
7. Editing 124
Placing new objects
Enter the editing mode by selecting Screen > Edit Screen ('E') in the top menu.
Select an object from the Object Toolbar by clicking it once. The object will now show an
orange line around it.
Place (or 'Drop') the object by left-clicking in the grid of the screen.
Select one or multiple data channels which have to be displayed. Click the OK button for
saving the selection.
A maximum of 64 objects can be placed in one screen. In case the object is capable of
displaying signals, it can be connected to one or more channels.
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Right-click an object in the Object Toolbar and select Explain this object... for more
information about the object.
For a comprehensive explanation of all different objects, please refer to chapter 5. Objects
A screen will appear in which a name for the new screen can be entered.
Enter a name and click OK. A screen will appear for selecting a screen category.
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Saving a screen
It is not recommend to overwrite default screens. In case you want to change a default screen, save
this screen as a new screen.
Enter a screen description of the screen and the designer's name. Click OK to save the
screen.
Deleting screens
Select a screen in the Screen Browser and click the Delete Screen button or just press the
Delete key. Click YES to confirm.
Backing up screens
Screens can easily be copied to a removable disk (or another medium). Open the folder
Screens in the BioTrace+ directory (e.g. ...\BioTrace\Screens).
Now open the screen category folder in which the screen has been stored. Select the
screen(s). A single screen always exists of two files, a *.screen and *.jpg. Select both files by
clicking a screen and holding the Ctrl key.
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Click the right mouse button and select Send to > Removable Disk.
Restoring screens
Copy the *.screen and *.jpg file(s) which are stored on the removable disk. Paste the files
into a designated Screens folder of BioTrace+ on the hard disk (e.g. MyScreens)
The screens can now be opened in the Screen Browser in the category in which the files are
placed.
The script editor can be used for defining a fixed sequence of screens. A button object can
start this script. These scripts can be used for building own protocols.
To create a new script, select a screen category. Add a screen to the script by clicking Add
New Screen to Sequence.
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Edit the following properties:
- Select screen: all screens of the previous selected screen category can be selected.
- Load into the: choose for a primary or secondary screen.
- Duration: how long will the screen displayed?
- Generate segment: select a segment type. Check None to end the current segment
and if no new segment is required.
- Text line: text can be used for an automatic marker or as an instruction (check these
options below)
- Pause mode: check this option when pause mode is needed. Un-pause the session
manually.
- Block reward counter: reward counters can be blocked for specific screens.
Save a script by clicking Save current Script as.... This will save a *.script file.
7. Editing 129
8. Inputs & Channels
This chapter describes the sensor input settings and channel settings. The first 4 (NeXus-4)
or 10 channels (NeXus-10) of a channel set are used to store the physiological data coming
from the sensors. The other channels are virtual data channels which have computed data,
derived from the sensors. You always need to connect a specific channel set to a screen. By
default this is the Default-channel set.
Sensor inputs
Press I to open the Sensor Input and Samplerate configuration. Input A, B, C, and, D can be
used for electrophysiological signals Input E, F, G and H the peripheral sensors can be
connected in any combination. Inputs I and J can be used for oximetry, the NeXus Trigger
Interface (%SpO2 or pulse) and the respiration pacer.
The Sensor Input and Samplerate configuration is saved as part of channel configurations and will
display the input-channels of the last loaded channel configuration. This can be the channel
configuration that is linked to the screen or a channel configuration that is manually loaded.
Check File > load channel set to take a look at the available channel configurations.
The image below shows an example of the Sensor Input configuration for NeXus-32:
Sessions recorded with BioTrace+ versions prior to V2015B contain a maximum of 3 auxiliary inputs of
the NeXus 32, instead of 4. Oximetry and pacer signals recorded with these previous versions will be
available on channels 33 and 34, instead of 32 and 33 as was the case during recording.
Go to the top menu and select Configuration > Sensor Input Config. (or press the I key).
This will open the Sensor Input and Samplerate Configuration screen.
With this panel it is easy to change the individual frequency during a session.
Set start and end points, or shift a whole band in steps of 1Hz, 0.5 Hz, 0.25Hz or 0.1 Hz.
Choose between Shift band and Start and End frequency control mode.
Check Enable to only show the channels that are being used.
Open the EEG Training Input Selection by clicking the following button in the toolbar (or go
to EEG > EEG Training Input in the top menu or press X).
See section EEG signal (re)montaging on how to change the Signal based on <…> to another
montage.
Select the input (T1-T4) by using the dropdown box in the upper right corner.
Select the 10-20 location or other sensor input on the right selection box and click OK. The
training signals can be changed at any time. Save the channel configuration to save the
training signal settings for next usages.
This will open the Sensor Input and Samplerate Configuration screen.
Use the dropdown menu for changing the sample rate of an input.
This will open the Sensor Input and Samplerate Configuration screen.
Select the correct flash Card Drive. This drive will be detected automatically.
Sample rates cannot be changed afterwards for stored data on a flash card.
A dialog box will appear. Click OK to close this box. The configuration is now saved.
The Configure Flash Sessions screen will also show the available recording time that is left.
This will depend on the capacity of the flash card and the selected sensors (e.g. the four fast
inputs (A,B,C, and D) with a high sample rate need more storage space).
The physiological data will be stored in a compressed fashion. That is why it is needed to
import the session data files from the flash card, before they can be used.
If NeXus is used in ‘ambulatory mode’ the wireless data connection is switched off.
A new configuration requires deleting all current measurements and configuration details.
A dialog box will appear. Click Yes to proceed. It can take up to 5 minutes to erase the total
memory.
The Configure Flash Memory screen will also show the available recording time that is left on
the NeXus-4 memory. This will depend on the selected sensors (e.g. the four fast inputs
(A,B,C, and D) with a high sample rate need more storage space).
Two dialogs will appear. Click on Yes and then OK to complete the configuration.
Click Yes to save the screen. This will load the channel set automatically next time.
Click Yes for saving the screen with the attached channel set.
Edit channels
To edit channels, go to Configuration > Channel set config. in the top menu (or press the C
key).
Or right-click an object and select Connect to data channel or edit data channel.
The <Name> after Select channels: at the top of the screen, displays the name of the
currently loaded channel set (e.g. <Default.channels>).
For changing the signal source for the first 4 (NeXus-4) or first 10 (NeXus-10) channels, please refer to
chapter 12. Sensor input.
- Notch filter: The notch filter can be changed in the channel set configuration. This
filter does not change the raw signal storage and can always be turned off to return
to the original data.
Off: Notch filter will not be active (default).
50 Hz notch on: The filter passes all frequencies, except for 50 Hz.
60 Hz notch on: The filter passes all frequencies, except for 60 Hz.
- Type of unit to display: The unit options depend on the type of signal and category of
data processing. Sometimes it is possible to choose between different types:
µSiemens / KOhm: For skin conductance (GSR)
°C / °F: For temperature
B/Min. / MS: For HR (BVP)
µV pk-pk / µV RMS: For root mean square amplitudes (EEG)
- Default color: Select a color which is used for displaying the signal in session
overview.
Use the left and right arrows at the bottom of the box to navigate through the channels.
Click Apply to save changes without closing the dialog box. Click OK to save changes and to
close the dialog box.
When making changes to a channel set (or creating a new one), select File > Save channel
SET as… in the top menu.
It is not recommended to overwrite default channel sets! Create a new channel set when making
changes and connect them to the screens.
Select the *.channels file(s). Click the right mouse button and choose to copy the file(s) to a
removable disk:
When editing the type of data processing, basic knowledge of physiological signals and statistics is
required.
Go to Configuration > Channel set config. in the top menu (or press the C key).
Select a channel and click Edit to open the Editing channel screen.
It repeats this function for each value in the array of data values that a signal holds.
EEG coherence
Coherence is a measure of cross-correlation between two signals in the EEG frequency
domain.
EEG Coherence is computed by the ratio of the auto-spectra of the two channels and their
cross spectra.
- The size of the FFT Epoch: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 seconds. This depends on the sample
rate of the signal source.
- The frequency range: Select at least a range of 4 Hertz when using 1 second Epochs,
or 2 Hz when using 2 second epochs.
Correlation
This function uses a Pearson product-moment to compute the linear correlation between
two signals.
- The size of the Epoch: The size in seconds of the samples that should be analyzed. If
the sample rate is for instance 32 SPS, setting a 16 seconds epoch means that 512
points of data will be analyzed.
Correlation may result in a value between -1 (negative linear correlation) and +1 (positive
correlation).
FIR filters
FIR stands for Finite Impulse Response. There is no ‘feedback’ in the filter and after a certain
fixed time the filter will reset to zero when an impulse (a ‘1’) is run through it.
IIR filters
IIR stands for Infinite Impulse Response because there is ‘feedback’ in the filter and it takes a
long time for the filter to reset to zero when an impulse (a ‘1’) is run through it.
Click the Show Frequency Response button to see the characteristics of the filter.
Check Magnitude: Show Decibels (dB) to show the magnitude in decibels. Check Phase:
show delay (MS) to show the delay in milliseconds.
DC Offset removal
This is a simple trend removal filter, much like a high pass filter, but simpler. It can be used
to neutralize the DC offset of a signal (e.g. in an ECG).
Get signal-copy
- Epoch size: The size in seconds of the samples that should be analyzed.
Amplitude: RMS
This function computes the root-mean-square of a signal. The following parameters can be
set:
The automatic epoch size setting calculates the epoch size which is needed for the minimal selected
frequency. This setting is the optimal setting to keep the feedback delays as small as possible.
- Epoch size: Is the size of the epoch used to compute the RMS amplitude.
The peak-peak (pk-pk) microvolt level is computed by taking the RMS and multiplying it with a factor
of 2 times the square root of 2.
In that case shorten all EMG electrodes (plus, minus and ground) of the relevant input and
choose the zeroing: enable and update function. This will obtain the average RMS noise level
and subtract it from the RMS level being computed/displayed. Note that the raw EMG
signals will never be affected and the RMS zeroing can always be undone.
A computed RMS amplitude will never be less than 0.1 microvolt. This is the lower limit of the RMS
levels computed by the software.
Respiration rate
This function is used to compute the respiration rate based on the input of the respiration
sensor.
Amplitude: AVR
This will show the averaged rectified value of the EMG. The following parameters can be set:
Statistical trends
Set the following parameters:
Choose between skipping data outside the range or to include all data.
When computing spectral analysis using an FFT the result will usually be an array of ‘bins’ for
each frequency which indicate the power or magnitude of the signal at that frequency.
With Key, a shortcut key can be defined for increasing or decreasing the band pass settings
in discrete steps of 0.25/0.5 Hz steps.
That means that when the FFT based band pass amplitude (amplitude = magnitude)
generates a result of 10 microvolts pk-pk, for the same bandwidth, the band pass power
would result in 100 microvolts squared.
Median frequency
This function computes the median frequency of a signal in the provided frequency band.
Dominant frequency
This function computes the dominant (or peak) frequency of a signal in the provided
frequency band.
Mean frequency
This function computes the mean frequency of a signal in the provided frequency band.
Logging function
Choose from the following logging functions:
Z-Score log
Set the following subtype parameters:
Custom computation